Barbie Forteza on Healing, Love, and Being Single After Seven Years

Barbie Forteza has long been known to the public as one of the most versatile and beloved actresses of her generation. From her memorable performances in teleseryes and films to her authenticity off-screen, she has always projected a kind of groundedness that makes fans feel connected to her. But behind the spotlight lies a deeply personal journey—a chapter of love that lasted seven years and the transition into a new phase of singlehood. In her candid sit-down conversation with Toni Gonzaga, Barbie opened up about love, breakups, healing, and rediscovering herself outside of a relationship.

What she shared was neither dramatic nor tragic—it was surprisingly refreshing, wise, and filled with lessons that many people navigating heartbreak can relate to.

Healing From a Seven-Year Love Story

When asked how she managed the healing process after ending a seven-year relationship, Barbie gave an answer that shocked Toni and surely surprised many fans:

“It wasn’t as painful as some people painted it to be,” she said calmly.

That statement alone carried weight. For most, a breakup—especially one after nearly a decade of being with someone—often comes with heartbreak, tears, and difficult transitions. But for Barbie, the story was different. She explained that while others assumed the breakup must have been devastating, her experience was far from it.

Instead of seeing it as a failure, Barbie and her ex viewed the relationship as a beautiful season in their lives that simply reached its natural conclusion. They chose to see it as growth—both individually and together. “It was a good run,” she reflected. “We were very happy. But it was only up to this point.”

That mindset reveals a lot about her maturity. Rather than clinging to the idea of permanence, she embraced the idea that relationships can be meaningful and life-shaping, even if they don’t last forever.

What She Learned From Love

Barbie shared one of her biggest takeaways from her past relationship: the importance of keeping your own identity intact.

“Even if you are in a relationship, always make time for yourself,” she said. “Have a me time. Get to know yourself outside the relationship.”

This is a truth often overlooked in long-term romances, where two lives blend so seamlessly that personal individuality sometimes fades. Barbie, however, highlighted how crucial it is to maintain self-growth alongside romantic partnership. That way, whether the relationship continues or ends, you still know who you are.

And that’s exactly what she’s doing now—embracing self-love, rediscovering her own rhythm, and enjoying her own company.

The Self-Love Era

Barbie describes her current chapter as her “self-love era.” No longer defined by her relationship status, she has poured her energy into the little joys of life:

She takes herself out on solo dates.

She enjoys coffee and pastries in quiet cafés she discovers on TikTok.

She reads books and spends time reflecting.

She documents these moments not as staged content, but as genuine glimpses into her day-to-day life.

“I love to eat, I love coffee,” she said with a smile. “So when I see restaurants and cafés on TikTok, I go to them. I take myself out on a date.”

These seemingly simple acts are actually powerful declarations of independence. They show that she doesn’t need someone else to validate her worth or bring happiness into her life. Instead, she creates her own joy, which only strengthens her readiness for whatever the future may bring.

Struggling to Navigate Interest

Despite her calm and mature outlook, Barbie admitted that reentering single life after such a long time comes with its own challenges. One of them is recognizing when someone is genuinely interested in her.

“For the longest time, I was in a relationship,” she said. “So now that I’m single, I don’t know when someone is showing interest, or just really being caring, or just a friend. I can’t navigate it. I can’t discern.”

It’s a relatable struggle, especially in today’s world of “situationships,” blurred lines, and half-hearted commitments. Barbie’s honesty about her confusion reflects a vulnerability that fans find endearing—despite being a star, she faces the same questions many single people do.

Her message to potential suitors? Be direct. “Say it straight,” she said. “Either be clear or I really can’t understand it.”

On Being “Shipped” With David Licauco

Of course, no conversation with Barbie these days would be complete without mentioning her on-screen partner and frequent collaborator, David Licauco. The “BarDa” tandem has been a fan-favorite, with legions of supporters “shipping” them together beyond the screen.

But how does Barbie feel about that?

She laughed at the thought, recalling how David himself was nervous when Toni asked him about their pairing. “He was just sweating,” Barbie said, amused. The pressure of being constantly linked with someone is something they both feel, but Barbie insists that what truly matters is personal readiness.

“It’s still really all about you being ready or not,” she explained. For her, maturity and timing weigh more heavily than public perception or fan wishes.

Non-Negotiables in Love

After experiencing a long-term relationship and growing from it, Barbie is clear about one thing: she no longer has time for half-baked connections.

“I came from a seven-year relationship. I’m not gonna go through a talking stage anymore,” she declared. “If you don’t want to, then don’t. Next. Thank you, next.”

Her standards are clear. She values decisiveness in a man and insists that he should make the first move. “The man should show the interest,” she emphasized.

This level of clarity is something only time and experience can bring. Barbie now knows her worth, what she wants, and what she will no longer tolerate.

A Grounded Beginning

Her wisdom today is deeply connected to her humble beginnings. Barbie recalled her childhood in Laguna, where her father worked as a tricycle driver and her mother made yema (a Filipino candy) boxes to support the family. It was her mother’s love for watching teleseryes that first planted the seed of showbiz in Barbie’s heart.

By age 7 or 8, Barbie already knew she wanted to be seen on TV. She would practice in front of the mirror, rehearse crying scenes, and act out dialogues by herself. Her determination, paired with the support of her family, led to commercial gigs and eventually her first big break in “Stairway to Heaven.”

Even in her early days, Barbie remembered being treated seriously on set despite being so young. That respect fueled her drive to prove that she belonged.

The Evolution of Barbie Forteza

Today, Barbie is more than just an actress—she’s a vlogger, an influencer, and a role model for young women. She has navigated the challenges of fame, public scrutiny, and personal controversy with grace.

She admits that social media has changed how fans see her. “Maybe because of vlogging, they feel like I’m more accessible,” she said. Her content shows her unfiltered side, making her more relatable than ever.

But beyond the glitz, Barbie stays mindful of her responsibility as a public figure. “We as artists have the responsibility to always influence in a good way, to encourage, to inspire,” she said.

Conclusion: A New Chapter

Barbie Forteza’s story is not one of heartbreak, but of growth. Her seven-year relationship wasn’t wasted—it was a season of joy, learning, and love that shaped who she is today. Now, as she steps into her single era, she’s armed with clarity, wisdom, and self-love.

Whether fans continue to “ship” her with David Licauco or not, one thing is certain: Barbie is in control of her narrative. She is choosing herself, setting her boundaries, and welcoming the future with openness and strength.

As Toni Gonzaga put it best during their conversation, Barbie’s maturity shines through. She is no longer the child practicing crying scenes in front of a mirror—she is a woman who knows her worth and isn’t afraid to demand the same clarity from those who want to be part of her life.

And in this self-love era, Barbie Forteza proves that sometimes, the most beautiful love story begins with yourself.

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